Apprentice Review

Working in M&A tax- drafting tax due diligence reports for clients and working through tax structuring papers as well as dealing with all the risk procedures linked with each engagement that is set up. My role involves very little admin and most of my time is charged out to the client with 20% being charged to off the job learning.

My technical skills involving corporate tax have really improved since I joined the team. The more exposure I am getting to a wider variety of clients and tax risks, the more I am getting to grips with different tax issues and how the legislation is used. In terms of soft skills, I have developed my independence skills as well as my team work skills. I have a greater understanding of my role within the team and no longer need as much guidance on tasks as I previously did. In this way, I see myself working better as part of the team and becoming more valuable.

I am really enjoying the exposure to different clients and the teams that I have been able to work in. However, I do feel that the pressure put on apprentices during busy seasons and managing exams with minimal study leave can put a huge strain on the wellbeing of the apprentices

KPMG as a firm is great at appreciating the work that apprentices do. From the two years I have been here, the more positive experience that people are having with apprentices, the better the word is spreading and hence making apprentices feel more valued. From an individual point of view however, I believe that the opportunity is what you make of it. I feel very valued by my team as I have been able to work hard and show career progression in the year I have been with them.

The structure of the programme is very transparent and I was very aware of what I was getting myself in for when I joined the programme. I would however say that the organisation of smaller issues including resourcing and exam dates could be better organised as it lets the programme down.

BPP aren't the best with providing support. It can be expected to wait 48 hours to get a response on the forums that they provide and similarly if you contact the tutors directly. When there is only 2 weeks between tuition and exams this is not sufficient time to get help. I must add that a lot of their materials have errors in which can make studying very difficult as we aren't able to pick these up when we are learning!

From a wellbeing point of view, KPMG is very alert to the matters that apprentices may face. The resources that we have available are great and I cant complain at all. I am very fortunate to be with an employer that supports its employees so well in regards to health and wellbeing matters

As I am not from London, I was unable to commute 2.5 hours each way to get to work. I have hence moved up to London. I do really struggle meeting my monthly costs and would be happier if our salaries could be more in line with the other big four especially with regards to the hours 'overtime' we work. Living in London on the current salary is very very difficult

SO many! I have just run the London marathon as part of the KPMG team for team NSPCC, our national charity. I am also in application process for becoming a special constable in the Metropolitan police and KPMG has days allocated of leave that can be given for service and training required. There has also recently been a trip to China to trek The Great Wall in aid of our national charity that has been organised by KPMG

Yes

The referral scheme has huge benefits. If I was to recommend an associate level and they were successful in getting a place, I would earn £2000. KPMG is also a great place to have on your CV and has so many opportunities available. It is a great place to start and develop your career

Learn the KPMG values and recite them in your interview. My biggest piece of advice would be- just be yourself. KPMG is a firm that takes every individual for who they are rather than what a piece of paper defines them as. I was commended for my interview and I have never been so relaxed.